Marvel Comics, the name that has become synonymous with epic stories, legendary heroes, and a universe where the impossible becomes reality, celebrates its 85th anniversary. For nearly a century, Marvel has woven tales that have not only entertained millions but have also touched lives in deeply personal ways. As I reflect on Marvel’s monumental impact, I can’t help but think of the profound effect it has had on my own life, shaping my passions, my values, and ultimately, my career.
My Marvel journey began with a single comic that would forever change the course of my life: The Amazing Spider-Man #400. I still remember the thrill of reading that issue as a child, captivated by the complex dynamic between Peter Parker and Ben Reilly. It wasn’t just a story about a superhero; it was a story about identity, responsibility, and the weight of one’s choices. This comic sparked my fascination with Spider-Man, a character who has remained a constant in my life, embodying the balance of strength and vulnerability that makes us human.
As a kid, my weeks were packed with school, extracurricular activities, and exams. But there was always something to look forward to at the end of it all—the joy of watching the X-Men, X-Men Evolution and Spider-Man animated series. Those Saturday mornings were a reward, a much-needed escape into worlds where heroes fought for justice, even when the odds were against them. The shows weren’t just entertainment; they were a source of inspiration, teaching me the importance of standing up for what’s right, no matter how tough the battle.
In my early teens, I dove deeper into the Marvel Universe through the pages of X-Men comics, which I began to collect. It was during this time that I truly began to appreciate the underlying themes of diversity and acceptance that were central to the mutant narrative. Learning that Stan Lee created the X-Men as an allegory for the fight against bigotry and prejudice resonated with me in a powerful way. These stories helped shape my understanding of the world, teaching me that our differences are not something to fear, but something to celebrate.
Then came the moment that would solidify Marvel’s place in my heart—the release of Iron Man in 2008. It was the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the excitement was palpable. Watching Tony Stark’s transformation on the big screen was exhilarating, and it set the stage for something even greater. In 2012, I had the privilege of attending a special screening of The Avengers with my mum. The energy in the theater was electric; it was the first time I experienced a collective outpouring of emotion—laughter, cheers, and pure joy shared by an entire audience. That night, Marvel became more than just a passion; it became a community, a shared experience that brought people together.
Inspired by the stories I loved, I started writing X-Men and Spider-Man fanfiction, pouring my creativity into the characters and worlds that had become so dear to me. This creative outlet eventually led to my first film review—of all things, the Fantastic Four reboot. That review marked the beginning of my journey into content creation, a path that would lead to the launch of my venture, Attack On Geek. What started as a fan’s tribute to beloved characters evolved into a career where I now create Marvel content both as my day job and side hustle—a dream come true.
Marvel’s 85th anniversary is not just a celebration of the company’s history, but a celebration of the countless lives it has touched, mine included. From that first Spider-Man comic to creating content that reaches fellow fans, Marvel has been a guiding force in my life, shaping who I am and where I’ve ended up. As I look back on these 85 years of Marvel, I’m filled with gratitude for the stories, the characters, and the community that have made this journey so incredibly special. Here’s to many more years of Marvel magic, and to the heroes—both on and off the page—who continue to inspire us all.